Vernon LeCount, my colleague at MOFGA, has a small sign taped above his desk that reads, “All good ideas degenerate into hard work!” He should know. As our facilities director, Vernon is responsible for keeping all of MOFGA's buildings and grounds in good shape.

I think of that little sign often when working on the Common Ground Country Fair. For 35 years, a multitude of ideas – some crazy, some brilliant, some simple, some tricky – have been planted, and with work, many have come to life as the Common Ground Country Fair.

Who are those who do all the work? Most I have never met, and of those I know, there are too many to name. But of all the MOFGA members and staff; Fair volunteers, vendors, exhibitors and fairgoers; and Maine's farmers, markets, businesses, citizens and civic leaders whose engagement and enterprise make Common Ground possible, if you're reading this, surely you are one.

The way you live, the choices you make and the work you do all year bring us all together for three days in September. Your support for organic farms, sustainable communities and a healthy Maine environment inspires the Common Ground Country Fair. In turn, the ideals, creativity and effort that we celebrate at Common Ground shape our communities and the state of Maine year round and for years to come.

I have the good fortune to work closely with many inspiring people who collaborate to organize the Common Ground Country Fair, but this gathering doesn't so much happen as it arrives with you.

In recent years I welcomed you to the Common Ground Country Fair, but perhaps, because this gathering is really yours, I should – and do – thank you for this, the 35th Common Ground Country Fair.